To link to the entire object, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed the entire object, paste this HTML in websiteTo link to this page, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed this page, paste this HTML in website

Tuesday
December 3,1996 Vol. CXXIX, No. 63
Headlines
13-game ND jinx finally ends, 27-20
In its season finale, the USC football team ended a 13-game winless streak against Notre Dame on Saturday in overtime, possibly saving head coach John Robinson's job in the meantime.
Sports, page 20
Finals week is coming soon
Staff writer Richard DeMuro soothes potentially panicky students concerning the fast approaching finals. DeMuro details options and ideas to counter the evil stresses that are associated with exams.
Diversions, page 10
Disney's puppies not the perfect pets
Before you're struck with the urge to buy a spotted puppy for Christmas, guest editorial writer and Dalmatian owner Terri Haase warns that those puppies aren't all they're cracked up to be,
Viewpoint, page 4
F.Y.I.
Guide reception, guest author
There will be a guest relations staff information reception from 4 to 6 p.m. today at the Admission Center in Trojan Hall.
Current USC students interested in becoming campus tour guides are encouraged to attend,
Refreshments will be served and applications will be available. Applications are due January 24,1997.
For more information, call (213) 740-6605.
• • •
Paul Zindel, Pulitzer Prize winner in Drama for "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds," will read from his works today at 8 p.m. at Town and Gown.
Zindel was selected as the fourth William Inge Residency lecturer by the USC Master of Professional Writing Program.
For more information, contact the graduate writing program at (213) 740-3253.
Newspaper of the University of Southern California
'Tis the season
Students petition for free HIV tests
By Evelyn Lau
Staff Writer
In observance of World AIDS Day, a student-driven initiative is will be distributed today in support of free, anonymous HIV testing and an increased supply of condoms offered at the Student Health Center.
Students will attempt to raise awareness and assist prevention on campus by petitioning in front of Tommy Trojan and submitting the document to administrators, the Student Senate and the Graduate and Professional Student Association. The petition requests the allocation of approximately $10,000 for the reinstatement of free and anonymous testing and also requests additional funding for condom distribution, which will extend the availability of free condoms through the academic year. According to the Health Center, this would require approximately $5,000.
The petition, spearheaded by students in a English class examining the culture of AIDS in the United States, stemmed from research findings that the services and resources available on
Troy Witt / Daily Trojan
Pete Gantioque, an employee at the Dental bookstore, carries a Christmas tree across campus Monday.
mpu
'Th.
fhe biggest issue we found is the lack of AIDS awareness," said Sarah Brite, a senior major-
ing in American literature. "Nationally, the awareness of the disease has gone down. The effectiveness of the previous scare tactics have faded away. We felt it has reflected on campus."
"It calls attention to the fact that the (testing) services have been taken away and the student body suffers from that," said class participant Vicky Talley, a junior majoring in English.
Currently, there is a $20 fee for anonymous HIV testing. The petitioners believe the fee deters students from being tested.
"We believe people will become more aware of the disease and prevent its spread if testing is more accessible," said Jean Scheidnes, a sophomore majoring in English.
"I really hope we get a lot of students' support" she said. "That is the only way we'll get the administration to respond." Scheidnes said she senses a lack of awareness and concern for HIV and AIDS prevention from the administration and Student Senate.
As recently as three years ago, USC offered free anonymous HIV testing through the health center, funded by the adminis-
(See AIDS, page 3)
Tuition tax breaks questioned by students
By Jennifer Arrache
Staff Writer
President Clinton's proposal to ease the economic burden on the middle class through tax breaks that would make college more affordable is being met with some opposition.
Clinton has proposed to reduce the tax burden by presenting two options to middle-class families making less than $80,000 per year. Generally, the first option is a tax credit to parents or students, with the possibility of receiving a refund.
Students or parents will receive a $1,500 tax credit for the first year of college education. If the general taxes paid by the parent or student equal less than $1,500, the govern-
ment will issue a check for the difference. A second $1,500 credit will be available if the student maintains a B average and remains drug-free.
Tne second option makes money spent on education tax deductible. Up to $10,000 of tuition could become tax deductible if the student is not receiving the tax credit.
These financial aid options aim not only at giving a tax break to middle-class students but making college or vocational training as accessible as high school. This comes after the United States General Accounting Office determined that while household median income has increased 82 percent since 1980, college tuition has risen 234 percent.
However, many questions arise over the proposed plan. Primarily, many are unsure
how the administrators will determine whether a student is using drugs.
"The plan sounds great to me, but how would they prove you're drug-free?" asked Susannah Biondo, who is majoring in theater.
Officials plan to solve this problem by requiring students to sign a statement saying they will not use drugs.
Another problem with Clinton's proposal is that it will cost $43 billion over six years. However, manv students see past this flaw in the proposal. They believe any debt incurred will be compensated for by the increased availability and affordability of college education. "if you have higher education, then you can produce more and increase the standard of living," said Babak Danesh, a senior majoring in finance.
Student Senate stresses continuity
By Elisa Ung
Assistant City Editor
Continuity, cohesiveness and efficiency have been the name of the game in the Student Senate this semester.
The senate has started a mentoring program to spark interest in campus involvement and allocated over $40,000 to various
philanthropy groups through the recently instated philanthropy fund, and the group is considering various streamlining measures to improve the leadership transition from year to year.
"We've been working together very well; we're a cohesive group," Student Body President Dave Gabler said, "It's more
than just a professional relation-ahlp.
The mentoring program was pioneered this year with an enrollment of more than 20 freshmen and new transfer students. Each senator mentored one or two students, Gabler said. The senators hope to increase continuity and let new students know what opportunities are available in Student Senate.
"Hopefully some of them will run for senate (in the future)," Gabler said. There have been varying degrees of involvement in the program, he said.
The students have gone to a football game together and have had a night at a senate meeting,
(See Senate, page 2)
Accomplishments and Goals of Student Senators> Fall 1996
Residence Hall Senators •Attempting to improve housing by pushing for renovations •Conducted various forums to get student feedback Greek Senators •Examining 14 Points, Greek standards to emphasize positive reinforcement for rules by rewarding houses rather than punishment for not abiding
Commuter Senators •Will implement Commuter Advisors to act like Resident Advisors for constituency; each to receive a free parking pass on campus and one unit stipend Student Community Senators •Complete listing of all off-campus, non-university housing should be online by end of year

Tuesday
December 3,1996 Vol. CXXIX, No. 63
Headlines
13-game ND jinx finally ends, 27-20
In its season finale, the USC football team ended a 13-game winless streak against Notre Dame on Saturday in overtime, possibly saving head coach John Robinson's job in the meantime.
Sports, page 20
Finals week is coming soon
Staff writer Richard DeMuro soothes potentially panicky students concerning the fast approaching finals. DeMuro details options and ideas to counter the evil stresses that are associated with exams.
Diversions, page 10
Disney's puppies not the perfect pets
Before you're struck with the urge to buy a spotted puppy for Christmas, guest editorial writer and Dalmatian owner Terri Haase warns that those puppies aren't all they're cracked up to be,
Viewpoint, page 4
F.Y.I.
Guide reception, guest author
There will be a guest relations staff information reception from 4 to 6 p.m. today at the Admission Center in Trojan Hall.
Current USC students interested in becoming campus tour guides are encouraged to attend,
Refreshments will be served and applications will be available. Applications are due January 24,1997.
For more information, call (213) 740-6605.
• • •
Paul Zindel, Pulitzer Prize winner in Drama for "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds," will read from his works today at 8 p.m. at Town and Gown.
Zindel was selected as the fourth William Inge Residency lecturer by the USC Master of Professional Writing Program.
For more information, contact the graduate writing program at (213) 740-3253.
Newspaper of the University of Southern California
'Tis the season
Students petition for free HIV tests
By Evelyn Lau
Staff Writer
In observance of World AIDS Day, a student-driven initiative is will be distributed today in support of free, anonymous HIV testing and an increased supply of condoms offered at the Student Health Center.
Students will attempt to raise awareness and assist prevention on campus by petitioning in front of Tommy Trojan and submitting the document to administrators, the Student Senate and the Graduate and Professional Student Association. The petition requests the allocation of approximately $10,000 for the reinstatement of free and anonymous testing and also requests additional funding for condom distribution, which will extend the availability of free condoms through the academic year. According to the Health Center, this would require approximately $5,000.
The petition, spearheaded by students in a English class examining the culture of AIDS in the United States, stemmed from research findings that the services and resources available on
Troy Witt / Daily Trojan
Pete Gantioque, an employee at the Dental bookstore, carries a Christmas tree across campus Monday.
mpu
'Th.
fhe biggest issue we found is the lack of AIDS awareness," said Sarah Brite, a senior major-
ing in American literature. "Nationally, the awareness of the disease has gone down. The effectiveness of the previous scare tactics have faded away. We felt it has reflected on campus."
"It calls attention to the fact that the (testing) services have been taken away and the student body suffers from that," said class participant Vicky Talley, a junior majoring in English.
Currently, there is a $20 fee for anonymous HIV testing. The petitioners believe the fee deters students from being tested.
"We believe people will become more aware of the disease and prevent its spread if testing is more accessible," said Jean Scheidnes, a sophomore majoring in English.
"I really hope we get a lot of students' support" she said. "That is the only way we'll get the administration to respond." Scheidnes said she senses a lack of awareness and concern for HIV and AIDS prevention from the administration and Student Senate.
As recently as three years ago, USC offered free anonymous HIV testing through the health center, funded by the adminis-
(See AIDS, page 3)
Tuition tax breaks questioned by students
By Jennifer Arrache
Staff Writer
President Clinton's proposal to ease the economic burden on the middle class through tax breaks that would make college more affordable is being met with some opposition.
Clinton has proposed to reduce the tax burden by presenting two options to middle-class families making less than $80,000 per year. Generally, the first option is a tax credit to parents or students, with the possibility of receiving a refund.
Students or parents will receive a $1,500 tax credit for the first year of college education. If the general taxes paid by the parent or student equal less than $1,500, the govern-
ment will issue a check for the difference. A second $1,500 credit will be available if the student maintains a B average and remains drug-free.
Tne second option makes money spent on education tax deductible. Up to $10,000 of tuition could become tax deductible if the student is not receiving the tax credit.
These financial aid options aim not only at giving a tax break to middle-class students but making college or vocational training as accessible as high school. This comes after the United States General Accounting Office determined that while household median income has increased 82 percent since 1980, college tuition has risen 234 percent.
However, many questions arise over the proposed plan. Primarily, many are unsure
how the administrators will determine whether a student is using drugs.
"The plan sounds great to me, but how would they prove you're drug-free?" asked Susannah Biondo, who is majoring in theater.
Officials plan to solve this problem by requiring students to sign a statement saying they will not use drugs.
Another problem with Clinton's proposal is that it will cost $43 billion over six years. However, manv students see past this flaw in the proposal. They believe any debt incurred will be compensated for by the increased availability and affordability of college education. "if you have higher education, then you can produce more and increase the standard of living," said Babak Danesh, a senior majoring in finance.
Student Senate stresses continuity
By Elisa Ung
Assistant City Editor
Continuity, cohesiveness and efficiency have been the name of the game in the Student Senate this semester.
The senate has started a mentoring program to spark interest in campus involvement and allocated over $40,000 to various
philanthropy groups through the recently instated philanthropy fund, and the group is considering various streamlining measures to improve the leadership transition from year to year.
"We've been working together very well; we're a cohesive group," Student Body President Dave Gabler said, "It's more
than just a professional relation-ahlp.
The mentoring program was pioneered this year with an enrollment of more than 20 freshmen and new transfer students. Each senator mentored one or two students, Gabler said. The senators hope to increase continuity and let new students know what opportunities are available in Student Senate.
"Hopefully some of them will run for senate (in the future)," Gabler said. There have been varying degrees of involvement in the program, he said.
The students have gone to a football game together and have had a night at a senate meeting,
(See Senate, page 2)
Accomplishments and Goals of Student Senators> Fall 1996
Residence Hall Senators •Attempting to improve housing by pushing for renovations •Conducted various forums to get student feedback Greek Senators •Examining 14 Points, Greek standards to emphasize positive reinforcement for rules by rewarding houses rather than punishment for not abiding
Commuter Senators •Will implement Commuter Advisors to act like Resident Advisors for constituency; each to receive a free parking pass on campus and one unit stipend Student Community Senators •Complete listing of all off-campus, non-university housing should be online by end of year